Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Toledo

University of Toledo's Natural Resources Conservation program places graduates slightly below both the national and Ohio medians, with first-year earnings of $32,706 compared to $33,988 nationally and $34,708 statewide. You're looking at roughly $6,800 less annually than graduates from Ohio State's program, which leads the state at $39,545. The manageable debt load of $21,100—actually below both state and national medians—keeps this affordable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 that most families can work with.

The trajectory shows reasonable growth, with earnings climbing 15% to $37,702 by year four. However, the small sample size here (fewer than 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. The program serves Toledo's accessible mission (95% admission rate, relatively low Pell Grant population) and delivers a credential without crushing debt, but you're not getting the earnings boost that Ohio State or even regional competitors like Cleveland State provide.

For a student committed to conservation work in Ohio and needing an affordable path to a bachelor's degree, Toledo works—the debt won't haunt them. But if your child has options at more selective Ohio programs, particularly Ohio State, the $6,800-$7,000 annual earnings difference compounds quickly over a career and likely justifies the investment.